“We are going to make this dream a living fact in the world—and free America shall lead the way—”
“And how will you begin?”
“By setting the proud example of building our national life on spiritual realities first, not on guns and forts. We will begin the disarmament of the world—”
“And end your movement by surrender to the armed bullies of Europe!”
“At least my dream is a dream,” Virginia laughed, “yours a silly nightmare. But I give you up for the present. I see that Ephraim is joined to his idols. My mission is a failure. At least I thank you for your candor. I shall have to turn you over now to the tender mercies of Mr. Waldron and the Executive Committee. Come, we’ll see your flags and the children. The sight will be restful after our battle.”
She rose quickly, led the way to the hall, adjusted the little turban on the mass of auburn blond hair and opened the door.
Vassar passed out with a queer sense of defeat. He had vanquished her in the argument. But the trouble was she had not argued. She had merely demanded his submission without argument.
CHAPTER IX
ANOTHER thing that had upset Vassar’s equanimity was the baffling quality of Virginia Holland’s character. The more honestly he had tried to approach her in friendly compromise the more bristling her mental resistance had become. She held him at arms’ length personally.
He was surprised at her final decision to go to the Armory. No doubt only an uncompromising honesty had caused her to fulfil a promise. Clearly she was bored.